Bertel Donald Snowdy

Bert was born in Rouyn, Quebec to Emelyne and Willie Snowdy. As the 6th of 9 children, he grew up in a full house with plenty of siblings to adventure with. In 1953, the family moved to Ontario, and then to Calgary, Alberta a few years later. After attending high school in Calgary, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1964, and was stationed at CFS Rivers, Manitoba. There he met, and married Sheila Ann Smallwood. In his time at CFS Rivers he created life-long friendships.

A posting to CFB Baden, Germany provided him with the opportunity to explore Europe by motorcycle with Sheila. It was skiing in the Alps that cemented his love for the sport, one that he would enjoy for the rest of his life. The RCAF provided Bert with many opportunities to travel the world, and it was at a duty station in the Mediterranean that let him explore Sardinia and Cyprus. Welcoming son Derrick in Germany, the family returned to Canada in 1973, and were stationed at CFB Bagotville, Quebec.

From Bagotville the family moved to Calgary and then back to Rivers where daughter Dana was born. He was stationed at AETE CFB Cold Lake, Alberta and it was there with his family, his love of the outdoors was enjoyed at every opportunity. His love of skiing and paddling flourished in Alberta, and he helped to form the Kinasoo Ridge Ski Patrol, and Kinasoo Canoe Club. Here he began to hand build canoes and mentored many in the art of building and white-water paddling. New adventures called and in 1984 he was posted to CFB Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Within the week of arriving in the Maritimes, he was on the hunt for a sailboat and had joined the yacht club in Summerside. A final posting, to CFB Borden, Ontario as an instructor at the EOD School was the place he chose to retire from the military at.

Upon retirement he spent the winters teaching skiing at Snow valley, in Barrie, Ontario and in the warmer months he travelled west again to Calgary where he worked for the Tsuut’ina Administration and Wolf Flats. After some time, Alberta was to be his and Sheila’s permanent home. Endless whitewater adventures and fresh snow for the next 25 years awaited him, and he relished it all. His natural teaching skills were put to good use as he shared his love of canoeing, kayaking, skiing and snowboarding through instructing family and countless others. His enjoyment of learning extending well into his later years as he continued to teach skiing and snowboarding at Canada Olympic Park.

Bert loved and was proud of his children Derrick and Dana Ducette (Justin) and he loved and enjoyed his five grandchildren. Granddaughters Raphael (Derrick) and Elizabeth (Dana) and his grandsons Gabriel (Derrick), David Bertel (Dana), and James (Dana). His large family of many nieces and nephews along with his brothers and sisters Bill (Susan), Maynard, Ed, Mary, Grace (Jim), Stan (Jean), Sicily, Norm and brother-in-law Doug (Anna) were all important to him.

Described by many as a good friend, mentor, and leader he is and will be deeply missed.

Bert passed peacefully at 80 years of age in the early morning hours of October 27th, 2026.

Sheila, his wife of 56 years and his children Derrick and Dana, are extremely grateful to the staff and care teams at Calgary Foothills Hospital ICU and Trauma Unit, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre and STARS.

Bert’s life will be celebrated at a later date. If desired, memorial donations in his name to the Foothills Medical Center, The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre or STARS are appreciated.